Venezuelan citizens will soon need to register with ETIAS before travelling to the Schengen Area.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System will be launched in 2022 and Venezuelans are amongst those who will be required to apply.
The permit is being introduced to make European countries even safer for residents and visitors, improving border security and efficiency by pre-screening visa-exempt visitors.
Venezuelans can find everything they need to know about the upcoming changes to the way they travel around Europe below.
Will Venezuelan citizens need a Visa for Europe?
No, Venezuelans will not need a visa to travel to the European Schengen Area for up to 90 days. Venezuelan citizens are eligible for the new ETIAS permit which allows for visa-free entry to Europe for tourism, business, and transit.
ETIAS will be mandatory for Venezuelans travelling to the Schengen Area. Although there are no new visa requirements for Venezuelans, they will soon need to apply for ETIAS before entry.
The ETIAS travel authorisation is quicker and more straightforward to obtain than a visa for Europe. The application process is fully online and takes just a few minutes to complete.
Like now, Venezuelans will only need a visa to travel to the Schengen Area for longer than 90 consecutive days or reasons not permitted by ETIAS, such as to work or study in Europe.
Are Venezuelan citizens eligible to apply for ETIAS visa waiver?
Yes, Venezuelan citizens are eligible to apply for ETIAS. To do so, they will need to have an internet connection and meet all the requirements.
Once the ETIAS has been granted, Venezuelan travellers will be able to stay within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days per 180-day period.
ETIAS visa waiver is valid for 3 years from the date of issue or until the passport expires, depending which comes first. Multiple entries will be permitted as well as free travel between the Member States including top destinations such as France, Italy, and Spain.
The visa waiver is valid for entry for business, tourism, medical reasons, and transit. Work and study are not allowed when travelling with ETIAS.
Venezuelan citizens planning on working or studying in one of the Schengen countries will need to apply for a specific visa. More information on these visas can be found at the embassy or consulate of the Member State.
What documents do Venezuelans need to obtain ETIAS?
The following are the documents Venezuelans will need to obtain the ETIAS:
- Valid Venezuelan passport
- Credit or debit card to pay the ETIAS fees online
- Email address to receive the ETIAS or any important communications
Additionally, applicants will be requested to answer some health and security questions, provide their personal details such as full name, date, and place of birth, address, and indicate the Schengen country they are planning on visiting first.
The ETIAS application process for Venezuelan citizens
The process of obtaining the ETIAS visa waiver for Venezuelan citizens is fast and straightforward. It will take around 10 minutes to complete the online application form once all the required documentation has been gathered.
Before starting their application form, travellers are encouraged to ensure they meet all the ETIAS requirements.
Also, to avoid delays or rejection, applicants should double-check the information provided and make sure it’s accurate and up to date.
Note: all Venezuelan travellers, including infants, will need to possess an ETIAS.
How long does it take to get ETIAS visa waiver from Venezuela?
When an ETIAS application is submitted it is automatically cross-checked against international security databases such as Interpol and Europol. Most requests will be approved at this point and the ETIAS will be granted almost immediately. In some cases, it may take up to 3 business days.
Only if there is a hit in one of the systems will the application be reviewed manually. This is carried out by the ETIAS Central and National Units and can take up to 2 weeks.
For this reason, travellers should allow enough time before departure for processing.
What happens if the ETIAS application is denied?
In the unlikely case that the ETIAS is denied, travellers will be informed of the reason via email and will have the option to appeal. In many cases, applicants will simply need to provide additional documentation.
The appeal will be made to the individual country mentioned in the ETIAS application.
Note: ETIAS does not guarantee entry. Border control will verify the travel authorisation and still reserves the right to deny entry into the country.
Venezuelan citizens can check the ETIAS news section for additional information and updates regarding the travel authorisation.